'Tis the Season

To try something new that is!  This past summer, I embarked upon the “Summer of the Rosé”.  I have never been a fan of ‘pink’ wine - it invokes images of cloyingly sweet boxed Franzia White Zinfandel in fancy crystal glasses with ice cubes that makes me gag and cringe. (No offense to you if this is your drink of choice).  Since summer is the time of year that Rosés really shine, I thought it would be perfect to try something new!  I went through a good 10 bottles of all different kinds of Rosé, mostly sticking to the drier types.  I am definitely not a sweet wine person!

My top two finds were Eye of the Toad from Toad Hollow in California and La Bambina Sicilia from Italy.  The Toad Hollow is made from a Pinot Noir grape and is very dry and crisp and light as air.  The La Bambina has a slight effervescence that is absolutely divine on a hot and sweaty summer day! There were definitely a few busts, like when I had a Rosé flight at Kelly Liken in Vail and I swore one of the wines was corked because it tasted so terrible.  I have heard that happens in wine tasting – where you think it tastes like Garbage and the person next to you thinks it tastes like Ambrosia – I had just never had it happen to me.  But let me tell you, when your taste buds don’t like something, they will scream at you and let you know!

With the Summer of the Rosé being so successful and fun, I have named this the “Winter of the Fig”.  I realized suddenly that I have never had a fresh fig.  I love Fig Newton’s but I don’t think that counts…  I have gathered a few starter ideas and recipes in my wheelhouse and I am ready to go! Bring on the Figs!    

I encourage everyone to pick something new to try once every season, it’s a great way to open up your horizon and find what you like and/or don’t care for so much. It’s best if you pick something that is in season or seasonally offered – i.e. don’t pick heirloom tomatoes for your Spring.  And it doesn’t need to be food-oriented.  You could have a Fall of Scarves or Summer of Peep-Toes.  Make if your own!  I will keep you updated on the Winter of the Fig and share both my success and busts.  I would love to hear if you are going to try something for Winter and to update me on your progress!